To The Editor:
St. Johns County has been a top-performing school district for the last two decades.
As the business of public education grows more complex and funding challenges intensify, we must ensure our schools have the tools necessary to meet these challenges. In St. Johns County, two upcoming ballot measures will determine the future of our schools: the extension of the half-cent sales tax and the introduction of an ad valorem property tax option. These two votes represent one critical decision — the decision to invest in the infrastructure and people needed to ensure our children are prepared for the future.
The half-cent sales tax, which is set to expire, has played a vital role in this success. The money generated by this tax has stayed right here in St. Johns County, allowing us — not the state — to decide how best to invest in our schools. As a member of the Sales Tax Citizens Advisory Committee tasked with overseeing how these funds were spent, I can confidently say that taxpayer dollars were used wisely. The promises made to our community were kept: the district built eight new schools, expanded 11 others, upgraded the roofs on 13 schools, provided new computers for teachers and students at all schools, and made critical security upgrades to schools and buses across the county.
The extension of the half-cent sales tax will provide the time needed to finish the important building and infrastructure improvements requested by parents and school leaders. The sales tax is a tool to address these critical building needs, but it cannot be used to support the great faculty and staff who are key to our children’s success. For that, the district needs an additional tool — the ad valorem property tax — to ensure it can recruit and retain the high-quality staff our students deserve.
That’s why both are equally important. The sales tax builds safe schools and the property tax fills them with great people — from bus drivers and custodians to teachers and instructional support staff.
Many surrounding districts already have the ad valorem property tax option, and they use it to increase teacher salaries. Without this option, St. Johns County risks losing talented teachers to those districts. If we want the district to continue attracting and retaining the best educators for our kids, they need the tools to stay competitive.
As a taxpayer and a parent, I understand the importance of accountability for our tax dollars and the life-changing impact our schools have on children. That’s why I support both measures. The district has proven it can spend wisely and for the benefit of all students in all parts of the district.
This November, two votes will determine the future of our schools, but the decision is clear. Let’s vote yes on both measures to continue investing in the success and future of St. Johns County schools.
Damian Cook
Sales Tax Citizens Advisory Committee Member
